World City

1950s – today

Revolutions in technology, fashion, and culture have transformed London

The postwar generation led London's multicultural revolution, followed by the punk movement in the 1970s. By the 1980s many of London’s traditional industries had closed down, even as new technologies transformed everyday life. Now 21st century London is known for its diversity and modern industry.

The Capital Concerns Gallery is closed from 18 April 2017. The City Now City Future season will be on display in this space from May.

Tom Daley's swimming trunks from the 2012 London Olympics

These Adidas Team GB swimming trunks were used by Tom Daley during the 2012 Olympics. The Union Jack-based design is by Stella McCartney.

London's fashion revolution

This case displays the changes that swept London style in the 1960s and 1970s.

Beatles dress

This cotton dress, emblazoned with the faces of the Fab Four, was available from C&A, a high street clothing shop. It testifies to the way young Londoners embraced the new music and fashions of the 'swinging sixties'.

Bronze gates from the Firestone tyre factory, 1929

The Firestone factory closed in November 1979 with the loss of 1,500 jobs.

Cover of 'Because They Know Not: a powerful story on the colour problem', 1959

This novel by Alvin Gladstone Bennett tackles the issues raised by West Indian migration to Britain in the 1950's, and was inspired by the author's own experiences.

Visit our children's corner

These Bill & Ben string puppets were used in the children’s television programme ‘The Flowerpot Men’, part of the BBC's 'Watch With Mother' series, 1952.

Outfit worn by Marian Williams, a singer in a punk band, 1982

The mohair sweater was bought at Camden Market and the bondage trousers and studded t-shirt were from Kensington Market.

The Ghetto, 1994

Designed by artist Tom Hunter, this 3D photographic model exactly recreates, in miniature, two streets in Hackney, condemned as a 'ghetto' by the Hackney Gazette in 1994.

Vespa scooter

This Douglas Vespa 125cc motor scooter was one of the symbols of the youth revolution that swept through London in the 1950's and 60's.

Experience the Capital Concerns interactive

Learn what Londoners think and worry about by using this interactive. A digital river Thames runs through the gallery, carrying icons representing the major issues of the city.

Gallery access

The gallery is open during the museum's normal hours:

10.00am - 5.40pm

The gallery is on the lower ground floor and can be accessed by lift.

Entry free, no ticket required.

World City also of interest

City Now City Future

Discover the 2017-18 season at the museum, with over a hundred events exploring city life in the 21st century.